Electrodynamic machine

Abstract

An electrodynamic machine ( 10 ) comprising a first rotor ( 13 ) and a second rotor ( 15 ). The first and second rotors ( 13, 15 ) are adapted to rotate relative to each other, preferably in opposite directions. The electrodynamic machine ( 10 ) may operate as an electric generator or as an electric motor.

1 . An electrodynamic machine comprising a first rotor mounted on a first shaft, a second rotor mounted on a second shaft, the first and second rotors being adapted to rotate relative to each other, the first and second shafts being in axial alignment with adjacent ends thereof being interconnected to provide mutual support while allowing relative rotation therebetween and a drive means operable to cause rotation of the first rotor and also rotation of the second rotor, with the two rotors rotating relative to each other, the drive means including a drive shaft drivingly connected to both the first rotor and the second rotor.  
   
   
       2 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second rotors are adapted to rotate in opposite directions.  
   
   
       3 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 1  wherein the electrodynamic machine is an electric generator and wherein relative movement between the two rotors generates an electrical current.  
   
   
       4 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 3  wherein one rotor provides a magnetic field and the other rotor provides a conductor in which the electric current is generated upon movement of the conductor through the magnetic field.  
   
   
       5 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 4  wherein one rotor is disposed within the other rotor, with an air gap defined therebetween.  
   
   
       6 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 1  wherein one shaft has an axial spigot on an end thereof received in a complimentary axial socket provided in the adjacent end of the other shaft.  
   
   
       7 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 1  wherein a speed control means is provided to ensure that the two shafts rotate at the same angular velocity but in opposite directions.  
   
   
       8 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 7  wherein the speed control means comprises a gear mechanism operatively connecting the two shafts.  
   
   
       9 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 8  wherein the gear mechanism comprises epicyclic gear train in which the internal gear is rigidly connected to one shaft and the sun gear is rigidly connected to the other shaft.  
   
   
       10 . A electrodynamic machine according to  claim 1  wherein the second rotor is disposed within the first rotor and wherein the drive means comprises a drive shaft, a drive pinion connected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith, and first and second driven pinions in meshing engagement with the drive pinion, the first driven pinion being connected to the first rotor for rotation therewith and the second driven pinion being connected to the second shaft to rotation therewith.  
   
   
       11 . An electrical generator comprising a first shaft having a first rotor drivingly connected thereto, a second shaft having a second rotor drivingly connected thereto, the two rotors co-operating to generate an electrical current upon relative rotation therebetween, the two shafts being interconnected in a manner to provide mutual lateral support while allowing relative rotation therebetween.  
   
   
       12 . A combination of an engine means and an electric generator adapted to be driven by the engine means, the engine means having a first output shaft and a second output shaft, the electric generator having a first rotor and a second rotor, the first rotor being drivingly connected to the first output shaft of the engine and the second rotor being drivingly connected to the second output shaft of the engine, the first and second rotors being adapted to rotate relative to each other thereby to cause generation of an electric current.  
   
   
       13 . An electrodynamic machine comprising a first outer rotor mounted on a first shaft, for rotation therewith, a second inner rotor mounted on a second shaft, for rotation therewith, the second inner rotor being disposed within the first outer rotor and the two rotors being adapted to rotate relative to each other, the first and second shafts being in axial alignment with adjacent ends thereof being interconnected to provide mutual support while allowing relative rotation therebetween, and a third shaft drivingly connected to the first rotor and the second rotor.  
   
   
       14 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 13  wherein the third shaft is drivingly connected to the first and second rotors through a gear mechanism comprising first, second and third gears in meshing engagement, the first gear being connected to the first outer rotor for rotation therewith, the second gear being connected to the second shaft for rotation therewith, and the third gear being connected to the third shaft for rotation therewith.  
   
   
       15 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 14  wherein the third gear comprises a bevel pinion, and the first and second gears each comprise a bevel gear.  
   
   
       16 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 13 , wherein the first and second rotors are adapted to rotate in opposite directions.  
   
   
       17 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 13  wherein the electrodynamic machine is an electric generator in which relative movement between the two rotors generates an electrical current, and wherein the third shaft comprises a drive shaft whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the first rotor and also rotation of the second rotor, with the two rotors rotating relative to each other.  
   
   
       18 . An electrodynamic machine according to  claim 13  wherein the electrodynamic machine is a motor in which relative rotation induced between the two rotors causes rotation of the third shaft.  
   
   
       19 . An electrodynamic machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.